guts

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'guts' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's courage or determination in the face of a difficult situation. For example: "She showed guts by continuing the project even after learning she had a severe health problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said the prosecutor had been hugely disappointed by Masipa's verdict".He did his utmost best.He's devastated now, Gerrie Nel, but I can only say that he pulled his guts out for Reeva.He always spoke of her and he was doing his best.He did the best job anybody could do".

The Guardian

She required guts to do it – her single greatest quality – and she deserved some cross-party support, particularly on two occasions: the Falklands and the miners strike, when her personal resolve made all the difference between victory or defeat.

The Guardian

With even the conservative commentariat attacking his government, it was calculated to give the impression he was listening (sure, things have been a bit ragged) and making concessions (yes, ABC cuts are at odds with what I said before the election), while pointing out hand on heart that he had "guts" and "conviction" (one thing no one had ever really doubted).

The Guardian

Who knows, England might even have been able to compete at this World Cup with the guts of Dubai 2012 nourished and preserved, and with Root, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali upgrades on Ravi Bopara, Craig Kieswetter and Samit Patel.

The Guardian - Sport

When you come in at that age and do that with established players, well, it shows you have guts and a real desire to claim the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

And she has shown guts by being one of the first out of the blocks, confirming to the BBC's Andrew Neil on Sunday that she is running in the leadership contest and setting out her diagnosis of Labour's defeat.

The Guardian

Art – whether it be one of Ali's murals mixing Qur'anic calligraphy with Banksy-style graphic impact, or Aisha Zia's play No Guts, Ho Heart, No Glory, staged in a boxing gym and telling true stories of young Bradford girls' lives – was the channel for that conversation, a way of undermining polarities and finding some shared ground.

The Guardian

He has got plenty of guts and lots of skill.

The Guardian - Sport

If X Factor can manage to pull all this off, those nine words might not feel like such a stab in the guts come Christmas.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Few directors would have the imagination, the guts or the resources to reimagine America's slaving past as a spaghetti western/blaxploitation thriller, but the result is Tarantino's most politically provocative movie, and one of his most entertaining – up to a point.

The Guardian - Film

To shout out loud, hearts and guts: Naw.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation when using "guts"; it can sometimes imply a raw or visceral quality to courage, so make sure your tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "guts" when referring to internal organs in contexts where a more clinical or scientific term like "intestines" or "viscera" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "guts" is as a noun, referring either to internal organs or, more commonly, to courage and determination. Ludwig's examples illustrate both usages. The word can also function as a verb, specifically in the phrase "guts out," meaning to show determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "guts" is a versatile noun with two primary meanings: internal organs and courage/determination. While the former is more literal, the latter is commonly used to commend bravery in challenging situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, "guts" is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and opinion pieces. When writing, be aware of the intended meaning and the level of formality required. For a more formal tone when referring to courage, consider using "intestinal fortitude" or similar alternatives. The word's versatility makes it a valuable part of the English language, but careful context is essential for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courage

Focuses specifically on bravery and the ability to face fear.

determination

Highlights a firm decision to achieve a goal, despite obstacles.

resolve

Emphasizes a firm decision or intention to do something.

pluck

Implies spirited and determined courage.

grit

Highlights perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

intestinal fortitude

A more formal way of expressing courage and resilience.

inner workings

Refers to the internal mechanisms or processes of something.

core elements

Emphasizes the most important and fundamental parts.

essential parts

Focuses on the indispensable components necessary for function.

fundamental components

Stresses the basic and crucial aspects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "guts" to describe courage or bravery?

You can use "guts" to describe someone who is brave and determined in a difficult situation. For example, "She showed real guts when she stood up to her boss".

What's a more formal synonym for "guts" when referring to courage?

For a more formal tone, consider using "intestinal fortitude". This phrase conveys a similar meaning of bravery and resilience.

When is it appropriate to use "guts" to mean essential parts?

Use "guts" to describe the essential parts when referring to understanding the core workings of a system or process. For example, "He knew all the guts of the business".

What are some phrases similar to "guts" for describing determination?

You can use alternatives such as "resolve", "determination", or "grit" to emphasize a firm decision to achieve a goal.